They had yet to set a date for the wedding, or even for announcing their betrothal, but there was no hurry. Her tears had unsettled him, and he could only surmise she needed time to adjust to the idea of marriage. At least, that was what he hoped. Her hesitancy made him worry. As did the guilt that he’d pressed her into a betrothal before she was ready.
Part of him wondered if he should’ve waited and given her time to meet other men over the next few weeks before he offered for her. But how could he have done that when she’d been intent on leaving soon?
Surely he’d done what was best for her, hadn’t he? Never mind the niggle of worry that he’d made a mistake he didn’t yet recognize.
“Mr. Thomas Hurdy to see you, sir.”
Daniel looked up in surprise at Pierre’s announcement. He hadn’t expected to hear from the Runner based on what he’d said at their last meeting.
“Good afternoon.” Daniel rose as the man strode into his study, his hat in hand.
Hurdy’s glower didn’t bode well, Daniel decided.
“I have a question for you. Actually, I have several.” The Runner’s mouth tightened.
“Of course.” Daniel gestured toward the chair before his desk, noting that Pierre stood at the door and showed no intention of leaving.
“Did you or did you not enter the brothel last week?”
“What would make you ask that?” Daniel couldn’t imagine how Hurdy would’ve discovered his visit.
“Apparently, the entire building was evacuated as someone sounded the alarm of ‘fire’ and panic ensued.”
“Was anyone injured?” He saw no point in confessing to the deed.
“Only a lord who was in a room on the upper level. He tripped in his hurry to get down the stairs and broke his nose. According to a witness, he hadn’t pulled up his trousers before fleeing the supposed danger.”
The idea of Remington literally caught with his pants down and breaking his nose nearly had Daniel smiling. “How terrible.” He didn’t bother to keep the sarcasm from his tone.
“There was a report of something stolen during the chaos.”
“Other than women’s virginity and dignity?”
Hurdy’s lips twisted, the only acknowledgement of Daniel’s remark. “A box of money was taken.”
“You don’t say.” He had given half of the funds to Miss Adams and intended to give the other half to Beatrice, though he had a feeling she’d refuse the money, especially now that they were betrothed. If so, he’d find a way to put it to good use.
He hadn’t told Miss Adams where the money had come from, only that he wanted her to begin her new life on the proper footing. Though he knew money couldn’t regain what she’d lost, he hoped it would smooth her path in the coming weeks.
“The report also mentioned several of the men working there were injured by the same man who stole the box. That man was supposedly injured as well.”
“Do I look injured to you?” Daniel stood with his hands out from his sides before returning to his seat, grateful his injury was healing nicely. He’d be damned if he’d admit to anything. He only wished he’d caused more damage on his way out. “Why are you telling me all this, Hurdy?”
“I’d like to know if you were involved.”
Daniel lost his patience. “And I’d like Finch to be arrested. It looks like neither of us will get what we want.”
Hurdy leaned forward, his dark eyes heated. “You stirring up trouble won’t help the investigation.”
“If I did, it doesn’t sound as if it would hurt anything either. Is that the only reason you called?”
“We are making some progress with our inquiries, but these sort of events only put Finch on guard. He’ll be even more careful in his activities.”
“Duly noted.” Daniel didn’t regret his actions for a moment. Though he dearly wanted to know if Hurdy knew a woman had escaped that night as well, asking would only incriminate him. He refused to think he’d done anything wrong, but he’d rather Hurdy didn’t know for certain that he was behind the trouble.
Hurdy glared at him for another moment as if expecting him to relent and confess.
“Pierre will show you out. Do let me know when Finch has been arrested. Or should I say if?”
Hurdy stood and heaved a frustrated sigh. “Good day.”
It was only moderately reassuring for Daniel to know he wasn’t the only one frustrated with the situation.
Chapter Thirteen
Beatrice wondered if she’d ever grow accustomed to being with Daniel. A tangle of emotions arose within her each time they were together. Their betrothal seemed to have complicated her feelings because now she had hope for a future brimming with happiness. As she well knew, hope could be dangerous.
Her breath caught when their arms brushed as they walked side-by-side along a path in the extensive gardens of Banfield House. The autumn blooms and foliage were not to be missed and included chrysanthemums, freesia, hydrangeas, and winter jasmine. Caroline told her that Lord and Lady Banfield hosted a garden party in the late spring and early autumn each year to share the vistas with guests.
Lemonade and refreshments were being served and guests wandered the gardens at their leisure. The beauty of the flowers made the afternoon enjoyable, but Daniel’s presence made the outing so much better, just as it had at the musicale two days ago.
“Isn’t that a beautiful rose?” She stopped to admire a pale-yellow bloom.
“Indeed. Lord Banfield has a large greenhouse in addition to the gardens,” Daniel offered as he glanced about. “He considers himself quite the botanist.”
“As he should if all the flowers are his doing.”
This was the first gathering she’d attended without Caroline and Aberland. Caroline had declared she’d seen the garden one too many times and
